Chelsea lost for the first time in 8 games across all competitions, when they fell 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield, and Tosin Adarabioyo got the worst rating on the day.
But was it just a bad in the office for the England-born star who is still on Nigeria’s radar.
The towering 27 year-old CB has had a decent career trajectory in the Premier League.
He moved on a permanent deal from Manchester City to Fulham before joining Chelsea as a free agent in the Summer.
Since joining Chelsea, Adarabioyo has made just 7 appearances for them all season, and got two Premier League starts in Enzo Maresca’s side.
Adarabioyo’s biggest test came on Sunday at Anfield, but the stats sheet show the former England U19 player was out of sorts.
Tosin Adarabioyo reacts to a decision by Referee John Brooks at Anfield. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
At the highest level, Liverpool presents any top player a good audition, and Maresca’s verdict of Adarabioyo will seem clear enough.
He recorded no Interception, tackle, aerial duel, or block and just 2 clearances in almost an hour of football.
Adarabioyo was spared a sending off in what was the evening’s most dramatic moment.
It wasn’t a good look in a game that also had African star Mohamed Salah, who caused the Chelsea CBs a lot of problems.
In actuality, what appears indubitable is that Adarabioyo isn’t a likely upgrade on any of the Super Eagles starters.
The Super Eagles boasts of William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi as the key figures in Nigeria’s back line.
South Africa’s Percy Tau (C) fights for the ball with Nigeria’s defender Calvin Bassey (L) and William Troost-Ekong during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
The likes of Olisa Ndah and Benjamin Tanimu, Chidozie Awaziem as well as Jordan Torunarigha being the latest invitees – as reinforcements.
However, Tosin Adarabioyo seems like a top target for the NFF, and it’s only a matter time before the 27 year-old makes a decision on his international career.
Adarabioyo has not earned an England senior team call up – his chances might be slim with the long waiting list of players.
Jordan Pickford, Levi Colwill, John Stones and Declan Rice during the UEFA Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
But, Nigeria could offer him the best chance of getting international football, and be shoehorned to fit the role.
Whether he’ll accept a secondary role, and quickly adapt to the physical demands of African football is yet another question.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s performance against Liverpool might raise a few eyebrows and beg the question ‘what’s the fuss?’
Recently, Austin Eguavoen who is Technical director of the NFF and current Super Eagles interim coach, clarified the Federation’s position with Adarabioyo.
Eguavoen acknowledged interest in the CB, but underpins that there’s been no formal approach to the player
Nonetheless, it’ll appear the immediate concern for Tosin Adarabioyo will be cementing his place in a transiting Chelsea team.
